Chess Board And The Shape Of The World #42

Chunks — String Together — Me, fifteen or sixteen, out from under parental scrutiny, all boys high school, James, a teacher, plans a road trip. From Detroit to 1962’s Seattle World’s Fair in five cars steered by fraternity brother drivers.

Reflection

This is a story of memories — the making and release. They shape my life now and then. They shape the world.

At the Fair

I drift through the crowds following whim and interest. The rides and cotton candy were set aside. I spent time at the Space Needle and gazing at water pavilions of arid lands. Many had stores attached. The Czechoslovakian shop, full of wood crafts, had handcrafted chessboards and pieces. I selected one as a gift for my father. Also carved salad tongs for mom….

Detroit — More Memory Packets

Sheltered in a pup tent, tucked in the curls of my square blue sleeping bag, the board arrived safe.

I dug out the rules of chess. Mastered them. I invited my father to the first of many games. (My father knew chess basics. I never asked where he learned. …wish I had.)

Cleo The Spaniel

Cleo, perhaps in the pursuit of the salt flavor, chewed the top of a pawn. The dog is yet another memory bundle. She became part of the family because we figured it would be good for mom. …misguided youthful arrogance.

Pieces — Glue Them Together

The chess board is a trigger. A chain of reflections, snapshots, of who I am. I wonder about other people’s triggers and at the meanings given.

Today

The unused board takes up space in our home and a plethora of other boards. Each one triggers a story.

No Necessity

There is no necessity of lightening our possessions. But, it feels right. My mind is full of half thoughts. Less is more. Remove clutter, that is virtuous. Well? It is, isn’t it?

Let It Go

I decided, let go of the board. Penny, our friend, suggested giving it to someone that will use it. Boys and Girls Club or the Senior Center. Then I wonder If anyone else in the family would want it.

If space is of concern, perhaps, take a picture. The trigger is still available without the board’s hand carved border.

I see, I control the story. There are choices better and worse.

Professional Advice From Marie Kondo

The big fear we all have, says clutter-clearing guru Marie Kondo, is that if we throw away these objects we’ll somehow be losing the precious memories and legacy that goes with them. Not so, says the Japanese bestselling author: truly precious memories will never vanish even if you discard things associated with them.

…she says we should concentrate instead on what we’re going to keep. The simple reason, there are so many items of sentimental value, from our own lives and from our children’s lives and from our parents’/grandparents’ lives that it’s too overwhelming a task to think about what to jettison. 1

Yes, useful for Me — Useful for You?

Some of us think out loud. This is my writing out loud. The result, let the board go. My path to experiencing if less is more.